​People in the media can tear each other limb from limb. I don't care. Today, a major "new age guru"/physician was quoted as saying that a Presidential candidate is "emotionally retarded" and is likely "mentally retarded". STOP IT. STOP IT.

When people use those terms so carelessly, without regard for the suffering of those who have intellectual disabilities and the strife and sorrow of their families, my hair catches on fire.

Ignorance abounds. Those who have clinically significant deficits in adaptive skills (communication, socialization and self-care) resulting from cognitive deficits (inability to reason and use memory skills) were previously referred to as "mentally retarded", but now, we call this cluster of deficits "intellectual disabilities". And, just as with the previous category of mental retardation, there are varying levels of intellectual disability.

These citizens with the "mild" version of Intellectual disabilities have the potential to reach a 4th-6th grade achievement level. They need close supervision so that they are not victimized by others. They may not live independently, but each person has their own strengths, resources and situations that may allow them to live somewhat on their own. Many live with their families who collect Social Security Supplemental Income in order to provide for their extensive needs. Does any of this sound like an accurate description of any of the Presidential candidates?

Keep your nasty politics to yourself and stay out of the lives of the disabled unless you are doing remarkable things to make their lives better. (I won't hold my breath on this.) This conduct is grossly irresponsible and inflicts pain on the innocent. Calling anyone a "retard" or describing them as retarded is wholly unacceptable. We would never tolerate this behavior toward those with cancer.

OK, I'm done ranting now. Stand up for those who can't. Make your feelings known about this intolerable conduct.

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